Crewboats for Nigeria have bulletproof pilot houses

FEBRUARY 19, 2014 — South African shipbuilder Veecraft Marine has developed ballistic protection technology for military and security craft that is now proving to be an attractive option for vessels serving the Nigerian offshore market.

The pilot houses have overhead windows forward to enhance visibility when approaching offshore platforms and a 3,000 liter/hr remote control fire monitor is fitted to the pilothouse roof.

The boats have heavy duty replaceable fendering all round and feature a large cargo deck forward, with a pair of doors from the passenger compartment allowing bow loading either side of the foredeck cargo.

The main deck passenger cabin features seating for 25 passengers while, below deck, accommodations include two staterooms for a crew of six.

The vessels are each fitted with a pair of MAN 2842 LE410 main engines, each producing 824 kW. Propulsion is via a pair of propellers, recessed in to tunnels to meet draft requirements.

Following the delivery of the two 20 m boats in late 2013, Veecraft Marine's Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, shipyard is now constructiing a 30 m Incat Crowther wave piercing catamaran crewboat intended for utility use in Nigeria. To be delivered to Africa Diving Services. This vessel, too, will have a ballistic-protected wheelhouse.

It will be powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 Acert main engines, each delivering 1,081 kW, and will have a service speed of 30 knots in sea state 3.

The vessel has seats for 22 passengers, as well as accommodations for 15. An additional eight crew can be accommodated in a self-contained deck-mounted module. With features including a 53 sq.m cargo deck, surfer style bow loading and fire-fighting monitor, the vessel will match the capacity and functionality of larger monohulls with reduced capital and operational costs.